Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons of Ausangate 2 Days

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Chillihuani – Rainbow Mountain
We’ll start early at 4:00 a.m., picking you up in our tourist minivan heading southeast of Cusco. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Southern Valley until we reach Cusipata, where we’ll stop for a delicious buffet breakfast.

After breakfast, we’ll continue to the town of Chillihuani, the starting point of our hike to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, we’ll head to the Vinicunca viewpoint, where you can take memorable photos and admire the spectacular view of the colorful mountain and the imposing Ausangate Glacier.

Here, our professional guide will provide detailed information about the mountain’s geology, ecosystem, and natural colors.

After enjoying this incredible experience, we’ll return along the same route to our starting point, board our transportation, and head toward the community of Pacchanta. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to relax in the natural hot springs. We’ll spend the night in cozy cabins built by local families.
Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Overnight: Ananta
Maximum Altitude: 5,000 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 4,300 masl.
Walking distance: approx. 14 km

Day 2: Pacchanta – 7 Lagoons of Ausangate
On the second day, our adventure begins at 8:00 a.m. with a hearty local breakfast prepared by the Pacchanta community. Then we’ll get ready with our backpacks, trekking poles, water, and snacks to start the hike to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate.

Our first goal will be to reach Puca Cocha (Red Lagoon), located at 4,500 m.a.s.l.. Its reddish color comes from iron sediments and other minerals that react to sunlight. This stretch takes about 40 minutes.

Next, we’ll continue toward Patacocha Lagoon, at 4,860 m.a.s.l., the highest point of the trek. The hike takes about 1 hour, and once there, you’ll admire its crystal-clear waters reflecting the entire Ausangate mountain range.

We’ll then move on to the third lagoon, Alqacocha, about a 30-minute hike away. From here, we’ll be very close to Ausangate Mountain, where the air feels colder and purer.

Continuing our route, we’ll visit Qomercocha (Green Lagoon), located at 4,650 m.a.s.l., whose emerald color is due to the minerals flowing down from the glacier. Nearby, we’ll find two more lagoons: Orco Otorongo and China Otorongo, named after their resemblance to a jaguar’s fur pattern.

The final stop will be Azulcocha (Blue Lagoon) — considered by many visitors the most beautiful of all seven lagoons. This lagoon is home to Andean birds such as huallatas (Andean geese) and ducks.

After visiting these beautiful lagoons, we’ll begin our return to Pacchanta, where a traditional lunch will be waiting for us. After regaining energy, we’ll board our bus back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

Food: Breakfast and lunch.
Maximum Altitude: 5,100 masl.
Minimum Altitude: 5,000 masl.
Walking distance: approx. 13 km